Rangeland SuccessionRangeland Principles (REM 151) - Note guide

Seral Stage: distinct community type within the sequence of succession. The end-point of succession = Climax or Potential Natural Community

A stable group of plants and animals that is the end result of the succession process:

○ Trees in forests ○ Grasses in prairies

○ Cacti in deserts○ Lichens and shrubs in the tundra

The end-point depends on climate and soils

Would the following events on rangeland lead to primary or secondary succession?1. A prescribed fire to reduce juniper trees: ______________2. An erosion event that removes all the soil and leaves bedrock: ______________3. Overgrazing by elk and cattle on canyon grasslands: ___________

The directional change of plant communities over time.

4. A restoration practice where the land managers sprayed cheatgrass with herbicide and reseeded with perennial grasses: ____________

Basic Ideas of Succession: The simple plants die, adding more organic matter. The soil layer thickens, and grasses, wildflowers, and other plants begin to grow. These plants die, and they add more nutrients to the soil. Shrubs and trees can then survive. Insects, small birds, and mammals begin to inhabit.

Forces of Ecosystem Change Immigration and establishment of plants. Competition between plants. Site Modifications (add organic matter, change available moisture and nutrients) Stabilization (reduce yearly variation in kind and amount of plants and animals).

Important Concepts of Succession Ecological Sites

o The product of all the environmental factors that influence the development of soils and vegetation, including disturbance

Community Resilienceo The ability of a plant community to return to prior composition and structure after a disturbance

Community Resistanceo The plant community’s ability to avoid being changed following disturbance